Row Spacing and Direction Effects on Water Uptake Characteristics of Peanuts1

E. W. Chin Choy,

J. F. Stone and

J. E. Garton2

Abstract

Abstract

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) grown in 30-cm wide, north-south rows, lost less water to evapotranspiraton than those grown in 90-cm rows or than east-west rows of these spacings. Plants grown in 90-cm wide, north-south rows tended to have the highest water losses. The reason for this phenomenon was not determined, although there is reason to believe net radiation is lower in narrow rows than wide.

Yield of peanuts was enhanced by the narrow rows and no orientation effect on yield was noted. Thus, water-use efficiency was increased by both yield effect and water conservation effect. Peanut quality was the same for all treatments.

There is no reason to believe that the water conserving effect is unique to peanuts. Research on other crops in similar geometries is to be encouraged.

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